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A MASSIVE search operation resumed at first light for a missing helicopter pilot off Western Australia's north coast.

The marine helicopter had been carrying two pilots when it ditched into the ocean about 30km from the mining export hub of Port Hedland around midnight on Wednesday, with the second pilot found inside a life raft about an hour after the crash.

Seven aircraft and seven vessels searched on Thursday for the trainee pilot, who was reportedly flying the helicopter, and searchers will be assisted by police divers on Friday.

A two-person crew was aboard the helicopter, a twin-engine EC135 operated by Aviator Group, when it ditched in the water just before midnight on Wednesday.

The second pilot was picked up from a life raft by the crew of a pilot vessel about an hour after the crash and taken to South Hedland Hospital with minor injuries.

He has since been discharged.

The helicopter was on its way to the bulk carrier MV Squireship to collect a marine pilot and return them to the harbour.

Camera IconMV Squireship, which was the destination of the helicopter.

The marine pilot on board Squireship witnessed the helicopter ditch into the water and immediately notified harbour control, which in turn advised the Australian Maritime Safety Authority just before midnight.

The AMSA also detected a distress beacon from one of the helicopter’s crew members. Four flares were seen in the search area shortly after the crash.

Seven aircraft, including AMSA’s Perth Challenger jet, and seven vessels including four tug boats are involved in the search.

On Thursday, Aviator Group’s CEO Ian Vanderbeek said in a statement: “our immediate focus is on assisting with the ongoing search effort and supporting our staff and their families affected by the accident.”

An Australian Transport Safety Bureau team of investigators travelled to the location of the ditching on Thursday to begin their investigation.